Richard Noel Waters, retired police officer

Richard Noel Waters, 72, of Georgetown passed away Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, in the care of his family and Delaware Hospice. He was born on Christmas Day, 1948, to the late Charles and Elizabeth Woods Waters in Philadelphia, Pa.

Staff Sgt. (E6) Richard Waters began his military career in 1969 when he was inducted into the U.S. Army. Shortly after his release from active duty, he enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 276th Army Band, where he had a memorable and distinguished career. He married Deborah L. Robinson March 23, 1974 and together they raised three children. Richard was also a dedicated civil servant for the City of Philadelphia, including service as a Philadelphia police officer. He retired with a total of 27 years of accredited military service and 25 years of service to the city.

Richard was a lifelong musician and a longtime member of the Ferko String Band (Mummers organization) in Philadelphia, and marched in many New Year’s Parades, a longtime Philadelphia tradition on New Year’s Day. In addition, Richard was active in scouting as a den leader with Pack 120. He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5. Richard was an animal lover and bird watcher, and was an honest, fair and orderly man who believed things must be done the right way.

Richard is survived by his wife Deborah; and three children: Richard Waters (Eliza) of California, Timothy Waters (Jennifer) of New Jersey, and Sandra Waters of Pennsylvania. He has four grandchildren: Reese, Aidan, Emily, and Benjamin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Phyllis and Geraldine. He also had a dear canine friend, Mugsy.

A time of viewing and visitation will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 20, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 202 Edward St., Georgetown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held beginning at 12 p.m. The Rev. Timothy Brady will officiate. Interment follows with military honors conferred at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Tunnel to Towers charity which Richard supported and loved. The address is: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306; or go to t2t.org.

Send electronic condolences to watsonfh.com.